2013 Summer - UA Local 32

BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT | Continued from page 3Let me continue by saying the goal of PAC withinour Local Union is not to tell you how to vote! Inorder to mine through the mounds of information;PAC helps to educate us regarding a candidate’s positionon issues related to the working environmentswe all have in common.I want to thank the PAC committee for the work theyare doing. They have recently finished branding thePAC for our Local Union. This is an important step aswe move forward.(L to R) Recording Secretary, Jeff Hasselbom; President, EricGilbreath.Employment refers to the number of workersperforming in a specific industry. It is possiblefor market share to increase, even thoughemployment decreases.Construction Research Council MarketShare ReportOur Market Share for this report was determined bydividing the number of working Local 32 plumbers/pipefitters by the total number of workingplumbers/pipefitters within the jurisdiction coveredby Local 32. (If you would like to see a copy of thisreport, contact the business office)The goal of the business office will be to expand andgrow our Market Share in all aspects of our industry.We know there are opportunities. It has to be doneresponsibly, and not to just add members to our outof-worklist. A written plan is being developed thatwill include partnering with Local 26; and utilizingour collective resources to expand Market Share inWestern Washington.2. Political Action. A strategy focusedon JOBS!When I became Manager, I had a narrow view of politicswithin our Local. Specifically, its importance toour membership, as it relates to jobs. I quicklylearned that they are intertwined. Examples: attackson prevailing wage, workers comp, right-to-worklaws, unemployment, pension reform, medical plans,and apprenticeship. Our political strategy preserveswhat we depend on as members.To best serve our political interests, it is imperativethat we have a strong political action plan. It shouldoutline short-term and long-term goals; which willhelp develop the Local’s relevance in the region. Asa Local, we must continue developing a culture of politicalengagement. Increasing political relevance anddeveloping strong political relationships will protectand grow our market share. We must elect thosefavorable to the cause of labor.Political endorsement is much more than a check toa candidate. A check is an investment; and like investmentsmade by Trustees in your pension, it mustbe made strategically.The Political Action Initiative’s GoalsInclude: Establishing a strong foundation for political actionby assisting the local in developing a visionand mission for its PAC that is responsive to theissues impacting work within its jurisdiction andto the views of its members.Establishing a strong foundation for political actionby assisting the local in ensuring that its existingPAC satisfies various administrative andlegal requirements.Working collaboratively with the Local to optimizefundraising, volunteer participation, andelection-specific planning.Working collaboratively with the Local to maximizethe degree to which its PAC influences theoutcomes of elections.Establishing a coordinated post-election strategyto ensure that the Local’s political action leads toa more favorable political environment; andthere fore, more union jobs within the jurisdiction.4 32 CONNECTIONS SUMMER 2013